ai4bharat/Pralekha huggingface dataset:
Ministry of Information & Broadcasting
Vartalap is a medium to set up bridge between government and media: PIB DG Bhupendra Kainthola
PIB Bhubaneswar organizes day-long Media Workshop – “Vartalap” in Puri, Odisha
Vartalap is a medium to set up bridge between government and media in order to reach out to the people at grassroot, said Director General, PIB  Shri Bhupendra Kainthola while attending the Media Workshop “Vartalap” organized by Press Information Bureau  Bhubaneswar at Puri on Wednesday.
Addressing the gathering Shri Kainthola said that things have changed now due to the pandemic. “A new journalism trend is evolving in the form of online or digital media through smartphones to which every journalist need to cope up with”, he said while flagging the importance of skill development training programme for journalists in New Media.
Shri Jagannath Bastia, Senior Journalist from Puri participated in the workshop and shed light on several challenges and issues faced by the journalists. “Like normal public, journalists are also affected by cyclones, pandemics. It is high time to think for them and their welfare,” he suggested.
Additional Director General, Regional Outreach Bureau Bhubaneswar, Shri Akhil Kumar Mishra said journalism is not only a profession but also a skill. “Through programmes like Vartalap, a platform is being created for government and the media to converse and things improve when we deliberate and discuss about it,” the ROB ADG said.
During the technical session, senior journalist, Shri Rajaram Satapathy highlighted how the modern day journalism is filled with challenges. “A journalist should make it firm that he or she is working for the people not for any individual or organization. The role of a journalist should always be to inform, educate and entertain,” he said.
Senior Journalist, Shri Sandeep Sahu talked about Journalistic Ethics and Social Media. He said that journalistic ethics is traditionally affected by commercialization, individuals, organizations and the concept of race to be first. “A true journalist should always stick to the right path, verify facts before presenting it to the audience,” he stressed.
Dr.G.C Dash, Deputy Director, PIB highlighted the role of media in creating awareness about welfare schemes in his welcome address while Shri P.K Choudhury, Media and Communication Officer of PIB moderated the session.
Later in the day, an engaging interactive session was held with the journalists gathered to participate in the programme. A comprehensive feedback was also collected from them taking inputs and suggestions on Vartalap. The Media Workshop has seen an active participation of nearly 80 journalists from Puri.
Special Service and Features
APPLY FOR CUET  – 2023 FOR ADMISSION TO VARIOUS POST-GRADUATE DEGREE & DIPLOMA PROGRAMMES OFFERED BY PONDICHERRY UNIVERSITY
Application portal for submission of online application is opened from 20.03.2023 for admission to various Post-graduate Degree and Diploma Programmes offered by the Pondicherry University based on the Common Universities Entrance Test CUET  - 2023 by National Testing Agency .
The aspirants who desire to take admissions in the Post-Graduate Degree / Diploma Programmes for the Academic Year 2023-24 may apply for CUET  - 2023.
Candidates can apply for CUET  - 2023 online at: https://cuet.nta.nic.in/.
The candidates must carefully refer to eligibility requirements of the programmes and select the required test paper code given by the Pondicherry University in the Information Brochure at the University website: https://www.pondiuni.edu.in/admissions-2023-24/.
Candidates are advised to regularly check the website of NTA at https://cuet.nta.nic.in/
The last date to submit the online application form for the various Post-graduate Degree and Diploma Programmes is 19 th April, 2023.
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Ministry of Health and Family Welfare
Of the total 4.33 cr tests, India conducted more than 1.22 cr tests in the last 2 weeks
More than 1 million tests conducted in the last 24 hour
22 States/UTs have better TPM than the national average
The guiding principle within the Centre-led strategy of TEST, TRACK, TREAT has been aggressive testing by the States/UTs. High level of testing on a sustained leads to early diagnosis and enhanced recoveries.
Following this tenet, India's cumulative tests have crossed 4.3 crores today . 1,22,66,514 tests were done in the last two weeks alone.
States/UTs are progressively increasing their testing capacity. The States contributing maximum to the overall number of tests include Tamil Nadu, Uttar Pradesh and Maharashtra among others. These three States account for nearly 34% of the total testing.
India’s per day testing capacity has crossed 10 lakhs tests. 10,16,920 tests were conducted in the last 24 hours.
There has been a sustained growth in the average weekly numbers of tests. The weekly average tests have multiplied by more than 4 times since the first week of July 2020.
Expanded diagnostic lab network and facilitation for easy testing across the country have given a substantial boost. The Tests Per Million  have also seen a sharp increase to 31,394.
22 States/UTs have better TPM than National Average. Goa, Delhi, Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu are reporting maximum number of tests in a day.
For all authentic & updated information on COVID-19 related technical issues, guidelines & advisories please regularly visit: https://www.mohfw.gov.in/ and @MoHFW_INDIA.
Technical queries related to COVID-19 may be sent to technicalquery.covid19[at]gov[dot]in and other queries on ncov2019[at]gov[dot]in and @CovidIndiaSeva .
In case of any queries on COVID-19, please call at the Ministry of Health & Family Welfare helpline no.: +91-11-23978046 or 1075 . List of helpline numbers of States/UTs on COVID-19 is also available at https://www.mohfw.gov.in/pdf/coronvavirushelplinenumber.pdf .
Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports
Assam Rifles Public School, Shillong becomes the first Khelo India Sports School from North-East
Union minister of Youth Affairs & Sports Shri Kiren Rijiju launched the Assam Rifles Public School  in Shillong as a Khelo India Sports School on Monday. At present, 9 Sports Schools have been approved across the country, out of which 5 are managed by Defence & Para-military forces. In the North-east region, Assam Rifles Public School is the first Sports School announced under Khelo India scheme.
The Government shall now bear the expenses for Talented Sports Students of the school in terms of lodging, boarding, education expenses, competition exposure, insurance & medical, sports training & support, salary of coaches & support staff, sports equipment, and more. The objective of a Khelo India Sports School is to integrate sports with education and in the process, develop sports in the country and improve the overall profile and outlook of athletes. This will also help in the identification and upliftment of talent from North-eastern, rural or tribal areas.
“It is a historic beginning of a journey for the Assam Rifles Public School and this Khelo India sports centre will be nurturing young boys and girls, who will in the long run bring medals from the Olympics,” mentioned Shri Rijiju.
The Union Minister also lauded the efforts of Lt. Gen. Sukhdeep Sangwan, Director-General, Assam Rifles, for making several positive changes in the school over the years. “Sport has always been an integral part of this school and they will be producing future champions. I must acknowledge Lt. Gen. Sukhdeep Sangwan for making tremendous changes in this school with the several initiatives taken over the years. The sports school will be an added crown in the achievement of the school and this will be a huge boost to Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi’s vision of making India a sporting powerhouse.”
The Assam Rifles Public School was designated as a Khelo India Sports School because of a good track record in academics & sports, adequate boarding & lodging  facilities, sufficient space to develop sports facilities and inclination to develop Olympic sports under an inter-ministerial partnership between the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports and the Ministry of Home Affairs. The disciplines finalised for the school are Archery, Athletics and Fencing with a total intake strength of 100 athletes  for the first year.
Vice President's Secretariat
Terrorism and Radicalization remain common challenges for India and Mali: Vice President
Interacts with a delegation lead by Mr. Abdrahamane Niang, the President of the High Court of Justice
The Vice President of India and the Chairman, Rajya Sabha, Shri. M Venkaiah Naidu has said that terrorism and radicalization remain common challenges for India and Mali, and the whole world. He was interacting with a delegation lead by Mr. Abdrahamane Niang, the President of the High Court of Justice along with two other Members of Parliament of Mali, here today. The Deputy Chairman, Rajya Sabha, Dr. P.J. Kurien, the Secretary General, Rajya Sabha, Shri Desh Deepak Verma and other dignitaries were present on the occasion.
The Vice President said that India stands ready to extend Lines of Credit in projects of renewable energy sector in Mali adding that India has already extended Duty Free Tariff Preference Scheme to Mali and Indian importers are availing the benefits. India is committed to further strengthen its developmental cooperation partnership with Mali, he added.
The Vice President said that the World Heritage Site of Timbuktu with its repository of invaluable Islamic scriptures and manuscripts is a unique cultural asset for the entire world. He further said that India, shall keenly look forward to the early inauguration and opening of the Exhibition “Taj Mahal meets Timbuktu” in India.
The Vice President congratulated the Government of Mali on the establishment of G-5 Sahel Joint Force which will contribute to unity, peace, development and prosperity of Mali and the region.
Ministry of Railways
Indian Railways is operating 6369 special trips to ensure smooth and comfortable travel for the passengers during this summer season
Total 380 Special Trains are making 6369 Trips with over 80 thousand coaches
Indian Railways is running 1770 more trips this year as compared to total summer special trains  run in 2022
During this summer season this year, for the convenience of railway travelers and to clear extra rush of passengers, Indian Railways is running 6369 trips of 380 special trains. Indian Railways is running 1770 morr trips this year as compared to total summer special trains  run in 2022. While an average 13.2 trips per train was run in last summer, 16.8 trips per special train are being made in the current year. The major destinations connected are Patna-Secunderabad, Patna-Yesvantpur, Barauni-Muzaffarpur, Delhi-Patna, New Delhi-Katra, Chandigarh-Gorakhpur, Anand Vihar- Patna, Visakhapatnam-Puri-Howrah, Mumbai-Patna, Mumbai-Gorakhpur.
In totality, these 380 special trains making 6369 trips have 25794 General Coaches and 55243 Sleeper Coaches. General Coaches have a capacity of 100 passenger whereas Sleeper Coaches have a capacity of 72 passengers in ICF and 78 in LHB.
In order to cater the summer rush, all the zonal Railways spread across the country have geared up to run special trips. Through these special trains, connectivity from various states like Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Maharashtra, Odisha, West Bengal, Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, Delhi is being ensured. South Western Railway catering to majorly Karnataka region is running maximum trips 1790 this summer season in comparison to 779 trips last year whereas Western Railway catering majorly to the state of Gujarat has also geared up to run 1470 trips in comparison to 438 trips last year. It is also pertinent to mention that this year, South Central Railway is running 784 trips which is 80 trips more than the last year. To deal with the heavy rush in northern part of the country, North Western Railway is running 400 trips, East Central Railway is running 380 trips. Northern Railway has also planned to run 324 trips this year.
However, neither the number of trains nor the number of trips run by specific special train is static for the entire season. Planning and running of special trains is a continuous process for which inputs are taken from all the communication channels 24x 7 like media reports, Social media platforms, Railway Integrated helpline number 139, apart from details of waitlist passengers in PRS system to assess demand of trains on a particular route. Based on this requirement, number of trains and number of trips are augmented.
A watch on any malpractices – like cornering of seats, over-charging and touting activity etc. is being kept by the team of commercial and RPF Staff.
AYUSH
Student Ayurveda startup gets Rs 2.50 crore funding at Global Ayush Investment and Innovation Summit 2022
Ministry of Ayush has taken several initiatives to encourage a startup culture in the field of traditional medicines. The three-day Global Ayush Investment and Innovation Summit  also witnessed enthusiastic participation from startups and students, who showcased their products and various initiatives. In the exhibition held at GAIIS 2022, many established companies along with startup had setup their stalls. One such Student Ayurvedic Startup, Green Forest Wellness established by Neelkanth Mardia, has got a funding offer worth Rs 2.50 crore from a private company.
Neelkanth Mardia, a resident of Jamnagar, Gujarat is a final year student of Institute of Teaching and Research in Ayurveda , Gujarat. His dream of setting up a startup got wings through PM Narendra Modi's Startup India program. In October 2021, with only Rs 5 Lakhs, he started an ayurveda based cosmetic company, Green Forest Wellness. But due to the lack of funds, he was not able to expand its reach and grow sales. He will use this funding for expansion and improving marketing of products.
Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, while inaugurating the Global Ayush Investment and Innovation Summit 2022 in Gandhinagar, Gujarat had mentioned that just like other sectors, he was hopeful that in coming years he will see a unicorn emerge from Ayush sector also. Neelkanth Mardia's successes will inspire more startups to emerge from the Ayush sector.
Dr. Anup Thakar, Director, ITRA, said, “Neelkanth Mardia was a fast learner and hardworking student from the very beginning. He was fond of finding new formulations based on the principles of Ayurveda. He has been very enthusiastic about his entrepreneur dream. I am glad that a private company has offered to invest Rs 2.50 crore to his startup. I wish him a bright future.”
Green Forest Wellness Company manufactures Ayurvedic based cosmetic products like Anti-Aging Cream, Hydrating Moisturizing Cream, Facial Cleanser, Nourishing Facial Cleanser, Intense Repair Facial Cleanser, Hair Cleanser, Hair Conditioner and facial serum.
Green Forest Wellness Company has some major expansion plan for the future. Startup wants to set up Green Forest Wellness Clinic, where the patient will be given Ayurvedic medicine according to their problem in a natural way. Other plan includes establishing Green Forest Wellness Park, which will work in de-addicted of drug addicts. He also plans to setup Green Forest Veterinary Solution, where animals will be kept healthy through Ayurvedic methods and remedies sector.
Ministry of Health and Family Welfare
COVID - 19 Vaccination Update - Day 622
India’s cumulative vaccination coverage crosses 218.46 Crore
More than 27 lakh Vaccine doses administered today till 7 pm
India’s COVID-19 vaccination coverage has crossed 218.46 Crore  today. More than 27 lakh  Vaccine Doses have been administered till 7 pm today. The daily vaccination tally is expected to increase with the compilation of the final reports for the day by late tonight.
The cumulative coverage of vaccine doses, segregated based on population priority groups, is as follows:
|
|
Cumulative Vaccine Dose Coverage
|
|
HCWs
|
|
1st Dose
|
|
10415166
|
|
2nd Dose
|
|
10118567
|
|
Precaution Dose
|
|
7018724
|
|
FLWs
|
|
1st Dose
|
|
18436765
|
|
2nd Dose
|
|
17716169
|
|
Precaution Dose
|
|
13643543
|
|
Age Group 12-14 years
|
|
1st Dose
|
|
41012209
|
|
|
|
2nd Dose
|
|
31736353
|
|
Age Group 15-18 years
|
|
1st Dose
|
|
61940779
|
|
|
|
2nd Dose
|
|
53054578
|
|
Age Group 18-44 years
|
|
1st Dose
|
|
561265889
|
|
2nd Dose
|
|
515735323
|
|
Precaution Dose
|
|
94965775
|
|
Age Group 45-59 years
|
|
1st Dose
|
|
204027955
|
|
2nd Dose
|
|
196955334
|
|
Precaution Dose
|
|
48521673
|
|
Over 60 years
|
|
1st Dose
|
|
127667566
|
|
2nd Dose
|
|
123134321
|
|
Precaution Dose
|
|
47267760
|
|
Cumulative 1st dose administered
|
|
1024766329
|
|
Cumulative 2nd dose administered
|
|
948450645
|
|
Precaution Dose
|
|
211417475
|
|
Total
|
|
2184634449
Today’s achievement in the vaccination exercise, segregated by population priority groups, is as follows:
|
|
Date: 29th September, 2022 
|
|
HCWs
|
|
1st Dose
|
|
40
|
|
2nd Dose
|
|
217
|
|
Precaution Dose
|
|
10870
|
|
FLWs
|
|
1st Dose
|
|
87
|
|
2nd Dose
|
|
371
|
|
Precaution Dose
|
|
18241
|
|
Age Group 12-14 years
|
|
1st Dose
|
|
16738
|
|
|
|
2nd Dose
|
|
60733
|
|
Age Group 15-18 years
|
|
1st Dose
|
|
6496
|
|
|
|
2nd Dose
|
|
28018
|
|
Age Group 18-44 years
|
|
1st Dose
|
|
23359
|
|
2nd Dose
|
|
96511
|
|
Precaution Dose
|
|
1561510
|
|
Age Group 45-59 years
|
|
1st Dose
|
|
3931
|
|
2nd Dose
|
|
19576
|
|
Precaution Dose
|
|
570308
|
|
Over 60 years
|
|
1st Dose
|
|
2441
|
|
2nd Dose
|
|
12821
|
|
Precaution Dose
|
|
303270
|
|
Cumulative 1st dose administered
|
|
53092
|
|
Cumulative 2nd dose administered
|
|
218247
|
|
Precaution Dose
|
|
2464199
|
|
Total
|
|
2735538
The vaccination exercise as a tool to protect the most vulnerable population groups in the country from COVID-19 continues to be regularly reviewed and monitored at the highest level.
Ministry of Statistics & Programme Implementation
Payroll Reporting in India – A Formal Employment Perspective
The National Statistical Office , Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation has released the press note on Employment Outlook of the country covering the period September, 2017 to May, 2021 based on the administrative records available with selected government agencies to assess the progress in certain dimensions.
A detailed note is annexed.
Ministry of Science & Technology
Antiviral nano-coatings to be upscaled for making triple layer medical masks & N-95 respirator receives support to combat COVD 19
Professor Ashutosh Sharma, Secretary, DST--- “Use of highly effective antimicrobial nanoparticles on PPEs, masks etc is a useful application that will provide an extra layer of protection for the high risk settings”
As part of Nano Mission programme, the Department of Science and Technology  has approved support for upscaling an antiviral nano-coatings developed by Professor Ashwini Kumar Agrawal of Indian Institute of Technology, Delhi for use as appropriate material for producing anti-COVID-19 Triple Layer Medical masks and N-95 respirator in large quantities.
Silver is known to have strong antimicrobial activity against bacteria, viruses, fungus, and so on. Professor Agrawal developed N9 blue nanosilver at SMITA Research Lab, IIT Delhi, under the nanomission project, and will be carrying out the upscaling work in association with two industrial partners Resil Chemicals Pvt Ltd. Bangalore and Nanoclean Global Pvt Ltd., New Delhi.
Resil chemicals will provide N9 blue nanosilver. Nanoclean Global will provide face masks and PPE materials for the application of nanocoating and will help in the design and fabrication of samples at their facilities.
"DST has initiated and nurtured nanoscience activities in the country in the last two decades producing quality human resources, infrastructure and knowledge in this globally competitive area. Today India stands 3rd globally in the number of scientific publications in nanosciences. The use of highly effective antimicrobial nanoparticles on PPEs, masks etc is a useful application that will provide an extra layer of protection for the high risk settings, such as for the medical workers", said Professor Ashutosh Sharma, Secretary, DST.
Prof Agrawal, along with his team, proposes to evaluate antiviral properties of this compound against COVID-19 in association with AIIMS, New Delhi, and ILBS, New Delhi. The N9 blue nanosilver, which is a highly potent antimicrobial agent, will be further modified to form nanocomplexes with Zinc compounds to achieve a synergistic effect. Subsequently, these nanomaterials will be applied as coatings on facemasks and other PPEs to improve their ability to protect the wearer from accidental contamination from COVID-19 virus droplets. The researchers will evaluate the shelf life of the coatings and their efficacy with different storage conditions such as temperature, humidity, and time and prepare facemasks and PPEs and provide these for field trials.
[For further details, please contact Dr. Ashwini Kumar Agrawal ]
Ministry of Power
Meeting of the Consultative Committee of the Members of Parliament for the Ministry of Power & NRE held
The Meeting of the Parliamentary Consultative Committee of the Members of Parliament for the Ministry of Power and NRE was held in New Delhi yesterday evening. Shri R. K. Singh, Union Minister for Power and MNRE chaired the meeting. Hon’ble Members of Parliament of various political parties took part in the meeting. The MPs present were Shri Arun Sao, Lok Sabha, Shri Chandra Sekhar Sahu, Lok Sabha, Shri Gyaneshwar Patil, Lok Sabha, Shri Khagen Murmu, Lok Sabha, Shri Pradyut Bordoloi, Lok Sabha, Shri Ramdas Chandrabhanji Tadas, Lok Sabha, Shri Ravindra Kushwaha, Lok Sabha, Smt. Riti Pathak, Lok Sabha, Smt. Sangeeta Kumari Singh Deo,Lok Sabha, Shri Topon Kumar Gogoi, Dr. Amee Yajnik, Rajya Sabha & Dr Kanimozhi NVN Somu, Rajya Sabha.The subject of the meeting was "Energy Conservation Measures”.
Replying to queries of Hon’ble Members, the Minister informed that when power demand increased this year in recent months, RE accounted for 25% to 29% of total power generation and the RE is a major sector. Achievements of Energy efficiency interventions made for SMEs were also shared. A presentation was made on Energy Conservation measures. Achievements of SDA scheme in 2021-22 were also shared. It was informed that Power Ministry has asked states to set up State Level Steering Committees for Energy Transition under Chief Secretaries. Many states have already constituted these committees.
Power and MNRE Minister informed the Hon’ble Members about separate agricultural feeders, which help in checking agricultural energy consumption. Cold chain energy efficiency in India was discussed. Initiatives for promoting electric mobility were discussed. UJALA scheme’s achievements were also shared. Building energy efficiency program was also discussed in the meeting. It was informed that ECBC was launched for commercial buildings and has been adopted by 22 states/UTs. Econiwas Samhita was launched in 2018-19 for residential buildings. Key achievements of PAT II were shared during the meeting.
Hon’ble Members of Parliament made several suggestions with regard to various initiatives and schemes. Shri Singh closed the meeting thanking the participants for their valuable suggestions.